When To Do Stuff
Summer
Be a Bookworm
Want to improve reading comprehension, spelling and vocabulary in one step this summer? Read! Even if it’s just for fun, reading more will strengthen your test scores and writing abilities, which will help when it’s time to apply for college.
Find Solutions
Keep your math skills fresh over the summer by trying out math apps that challenge your abilities. Flexing your math muscles in this way will help reinforce what you know and make it easier to learn new math in the fall.
As Good as Gold
Learn about different kinds of financial aid, like the Blue and Gold Opportunity Plan, Cal Grants and scholarships, so you can start to understand what might help cover the costs of college.
Fall
A–G and Everything in Between
Taking the right classes? Make sure you’re signed up for courses that meet A–G requirements for UC. Staying on track will help you succeed at a great school when the time comes.
Go for the Max
Challenge yourself by taking classes that go above and beyond the minimum requirements. You’ll learn a lot, and colleges will appreciate your efforts to push yourself intellectually.
Get More Involved
Take time to participate in extracurricular activities that appeal to you. It will help expand your interests and fuel your passions. Plus, colleges will learn a lot about you when they see how you spend your free time.
Aim for the Top
In the fall, try to take on leadership roles in school clubs, the arts, student council or anything else that interests you. You’ll gain new perspectives and skills and learn a lot about yourself along the way.
Put Yourself to the Test
Sign up for the SAT and/or ACT Question of the Day as a way to challenge yourself. You may not know all the answers now, but you’ll definitely start learning them one day at a time.
Winter
Follow Your Heart
What are your passions? By talking about and exploring the things that excite you, you’ll get a better sense of who you are and what you’d like to focus on in the future, both of which will help on your path to college.
Save Up
Have a college savings plan? If you haven’t already, talk to your family about starting one, like those offered by ScholarShare 529. Savings can help pay for anything from tuition and housing to books and food.
Spring
In Spring, Think Summer
Summer enrichment courses and programs are often amazing experiences that allow you to try new things, build on existing skills and make new friends. Talk to your college counselor about possibilities and get ideas from sites like TeenLife and BigFuture.
Take Challenging Classes
For 10th grade, choose challenging courses that meet A–G requirements for UC and go beyond the minimum requirements. Getting ahead now will make your transition to college easier.
Get the Job Done
Explore ideas for summer jobs, internships and volunteering with your counselor and on your own. You’ll learn a lot about commitment, time management and responsibility while gaining new skills and a better sense of who you are and what you do well.
Lead the Pack
Explore taking on a leadership role for student council, clubs or anything that appeals to you for 10th grade, even if it means stepping outside your comfort zone. You’ll discover new skills and talents and learn a lot about yourself.
Find Ways to Get Ahead
Get ahead by taking community college courses over the summer for college credit. Earning college credits now will make your transition from high school to college easier and show colleges that you’re committed to learning.
Apply for Positions
Apply for a summer job, internship, volunteer experience or enrichment program before summer starts so you can figure out your schedule and make the most of your break.
Anytime
Know the Score
Start learning about the PSAT and PreACT, why these tests matter and how to study without stressing about it.
For the Record
Start a file for important documents, like report cards, certifications, awards and honors, so you can keep track of your achievements. This will come in handy when you start applying for internships, scholarships and college. Create a free account with California Colleges to keep a digital record of your activities.
Do the Math
If you’re going through a rough patch with math or want the chance to review new concepts, turn to Khan Academy for help.
Do Research on Residency
Have questions about residency or citizenship and what that has to do with college? Explore answers online and by talking to school counselors.
If the Going Gets Tough...
If you’re finding any classes difficult, no need to struggle alone! Talk to your parents, teachers and counselors about steps you can take to improve in challenging courses.
Campus Connection
Treat yourself to a virtual visit to UCLA so you can get a sense of what your future could hold.
